Tuning-specific scale diagram

B Major Pentatonic Scale in Drop D Tuning

B Major Pentatonic Scale in Drop D Tuning shows the same b major pentatonic scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G B E. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: B, C#, D#, F#, G#
Formula: 1 2 3 5 6
Semitones: 0 2 4 7 9
Tuning: D A D G B E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to E4
24-fret range: D2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 6 open strings belong to B Major Pentatonic Scale: string 2 B (1). B roots occur on open string 2.

String 2B1

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 2

String 4Fret 9

String 3Fret 4

String 2Open

String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 4, 6, 9, and 11, with the B root at fret 9. On the highest E string, the first B is at fret 7.

Fret 1D#3

Fret 4F#5

Fret 6G#6

Fret 9B1

Fret 11C#2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play B Major Pentatonic Scale on the low D string at frets 1, 4, 6, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets B on open string 2 ring, then connect it to the nearest B root and two other scale tones.
Connect the B root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 9, 2, 9, 4, 0, and 7, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.